Mon Apr 29 11:53am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
White should be lead back
The draft is always so exciting, seeing where all the players get picked. But after the draft, the big issue is figuring out what it all means for their fantasy value. We thought it would be a good idea to look at some of the biggest fantasy winners and losers from draft day. These are some of the players that were picked but also some of the guys that were already on rosters, seeing their fantasy value get impacted from the draft. Adjust your rankings accordingly!
WINNERS
Bryce Young, QB, Panthers. The Panthers did a great job of getting Young some much needed offensive help. The team took a receiver, running back and tight end in three of the first four rounds of the draft. Carolina already added Diontae Johnson this offseason, so the receiver corps should be much better after getting Xavier Legette in the first round. The receivers got very little separation last year, so it was hard to gauge Young. He needed help and got some this offseason. Carolina also took a possible franchise running back in Jonathon Brooks and hopefully a solid starting tight end in Ja’Tavion Sanders. Things are looking up for Young and this offense.
Xavier Worthy, WR, Chiefs. Worthy could not have landed in a much better spot. He heads to one of the best offenses in football that has some openings at receiver, especially with the status of Rashee Rice a bit up in the air. Worthy has electric speed and the Chiefs should find plenty of ways to utilize that. He could be the new Tyreek Hill for this offense. Look for Worthy to make an impact right away.
Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Cowboys. Maybe one of the biggest surprises of the draft was the Cowboys not addressing their running back spot. Instead, the team signed Elliott after the draft. He is likely to be the starter in this top offense. He might not rack up the yards of past seasons, but has big touchdown potential in this offense. Elliott seems a pretty sure bet to get double-digit touchdowns. He could be a solid No. 2 for fantasy teams.
Jonathon Brooks, RB, Panthers. Brooks is returning from a major knee injury and could be slowed a little early in the season, but once he is back healthy look for him to the three-down back for the Panthers. He lands in a great spot for playing time, having little top talent to compete with for playing time. Brooks could really get the volume in this offense. He is our top rookie fantasy back.
Zamir White, RB, Raiders. Many thought the Raiders were another team that could address their running back spot during the draft, but that didn’t happen. They used a sixth-round pick on Dylan Laube, but he is not expected to challenge White for that starter’s job. It sure seems the Raiders are comfortable with White as their lead back. He has a chance to get a lot of touches in year two. His stock is going up.
Ladd McConkey, WR, Chargers. The Chargers need help at receiver and McConkey helps fill that need. It would not surprise if he quickly became Justin Herbert’s favorite target in the passing game. We really like his chances to rack up the weekly looks in this offense. Someone has to fill the Keenan Allen void and McConkey seems the best bet out of the options at receiver for the Chargers.
Keon Coleman, WR, Bills. Coleman is another rookie receiver that lands in a great spot for playing time. The departure of Stefon Diggs leaves a big opening for the Bills. Coleman could help fill that void. He has great size for the position and could be a top red-zone threat from day one for Buffalo. Coleman should get his chances from the get go, giving him a high ceiling for the coming year.
LOSERS
Raheem Mostert, RB, Dolphins. Mostert had a monster season last year and helped many fantasy teams to championships. He is going to have a very hard time repeating, especially after the Dolphins picked Jaylen Wright in the fourth round. Wright is a speed back similar to Mostert but a lot younger with less wear on his tires. Remember, Mostert is 32 years old. He might end up falling to third on the depth chart after the addition of Wright.
Rome Odunze, WR, Bears. Odunze is a super talented player that could be a star in the NFL. But for his year, you have to worry about him being up and down. He has two really good receivers ahead of him on the depth chart in DJ Moore and Keenan Allen. This is going to limit the ceiling of Odunze. He will be a much better fantasy player in a few more seasons. For now, expect erratic production from the talented rookie.
Kyren Williams, RB, Rams. Williams remains the lead back for the Rams and is coming off a breakout season. But the Rams picked Blake Corum in the third round. He is going to be a factor in the offense. He might get put a huge dent in Williams’ workload but the big concern is the goal-line work. Corum is more of a between the tackles runner that does well on short-yardage work. He could end up stealing some touchdowns from Williams, hurting his fantasy value.
Michael Mayer, TE, Raiders. Mayer was a second-round pick for the Raiders last year and showed well at times his rookie season. The Raiders couldn’t pass on the talented Brock Browers in this year’s draft, though. This move absolutely kills the fantasy value of Mayer. He is going to play second fiddle to Browers, getting few weekly looks. Browers is the clear tight end to own in this offense.
Ricky Pearsall, WR, 49ers. Pearsall is a talented pass catcher that can get in and out of his breaks in a hurry. He is a really good fit for the slot and could fill that role for the 49ers his rookie season. The problem is he has some of the top talent in all of football to compete with for targets. He could really be up and down his rookie season. He will look better in a year or two when he has a more defined role and less to compete with at receiver. His rookie season could be a tough one to gauge for fantasy owners.
Malik Nabers, WR, Giants. Many considered Nabers the top receiver in this year’s draft. He is super talented with a high fantasy ceiling. The problem for Nabers is he got drafted by the Giants, a team that really struggled offensively last year. Plus, he has Daniel Jones throwing him passes. This is not a great landing spot for the talented Nabers. Jones needs to make some big strides this season if Nabers hopes to reach his potential. We aren’t sure that happens.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (back) was limited on practice again on Thursday with a back issue. Jacobs was deemed limited on Wednesday as well. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Friday's injury report, as it should clarify any serious injury concerns for Jacobs heading into the weekend. For now, fantasy managers should consider him day-to-day. The 26-year-old saw a heavy workload in the season opener on Friday evening, running the ball 16 times for 84 yards. He also caught two passes for 20 yards. If Jacobs were to be limited at any point during Sunday's game, fantasy managers should expect Emmanuel Wilson to see an uptick in work. However, Jacobs should be locked into all starting lineups as a solid RB2 with upside if he suits up.
From RotoBaller
Washington Commanders cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. (thumb) will undergo surgery on Friday to repair a torn UCL in his thumb, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport. It's unclear how much time Forbes will miss, but having the procedure now will fix what could have been an issue all season long. The 2023 first-round pick out of Mississippi State has compiled 38 tackles (35 solo), one interception, and 11 pass deflections through his first 15 NFL games. He struggled mightily last season as a rookie, but his absence could still be meaningful and cause depth issues in the Washington secondary.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble (hamstring/back) put in another limited practice on Thursday, marking his second day in a row with that designation. The Notre Dame product did not practice at all last week with hamstring and back injuries, so he's in a better spot to potentially play in Week 2 against the Los Angeles Chargers. The 24-year-old has not cracked the 200-yard mark in a single season and has just 548 receiving yards through his first 49 career games. That said, he's far from the fantasy radar, especially as a part of arguably the worst offense in the NFL led by former No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young.
From RotoBaller
New England Patriots rookie wide receiver Javon Baker was a healthy scratch for the Week 1 game against the Cincinnati Bengals. While this is a concern for his future outlook, some first-year players take longer to adjust to the NFL than others. Patriots wide receiver coach Tyler Hughes said, "I think we'll see him more and more as the season goes on." Four Patriots wideouts saw targets in Week 1, including K.J. Osborn (six), Demario Douglas (three), Tyquan Thornton (three), and Ja'Lynn Polk (one). It's worth noting Kendrick Bourne (knee) is on the PUP list, but he could return as soon as Week 5. Fantasy managers should probably expect Baker to have little to no fantasy value in Year 1, but he could make noise later in his career and should continue to be stashed in deep dynasty leagues.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy had a fantastic NFL debut in last week's Thursday night win over the Baltimore Ravens. The rookie out of Texas posted 68 yards and two touchdowns on just three touches. However, Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt is not worried about the matchup in Week 2. "Speed. That's about it. He can run straight," Taylor-Britt said of Worthy on Thursday. "Run jet sweeps and just run straight. Can't do too much else. That's about it. I feel like you put your hands on him -- he's only 100-something pounds -- you put hands on him, you'll stop the speed. So basically get hands on him." While the Bengals allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to wide receivers last week, a matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium is an entirely different challenge than hosting the Patriots. All that said, Worthy has a boom-or-bust fantasy football outlook until he puts up games with more targets and touches. With Marquise Brown (shoulder) still not practicing, he could have the opportunity to do so in Week 2.
From RotoBaller
The Jacksonville Jaguars placed cornerback Tyson Campbell (hamstring) on Injured Reserve on Thursday, meaning he will miss at least the next four games. Campbell picked up a hamstring injury during the Week 1 loss to the Miami Dolphins, and he was expected to miss significant time. The 2021 second-round pick out of Georgia has racked up 207 tackles (149 solo), two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, six interceptions, and 30 pass deflections in his first 44 career games. After placing him on IR, the Jaguars signed Tre Flowers to the active roster, who will provide depth in the secondary for the next few games. Rookie fourth-round pick De'Antre Prince could start in Campbell's place in Week 2 against the Cleveland Browns.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (knee) is working off to the side with team director of rehabilitation Britt Brown during Thursday's practice, according to Ed Werder. The third-year pro out of Wisconsin suffered a bone bruise in his left knee in the Week 1 win over the Cleveland Browns, and it remains to be seen if he will suit up for the Week 2 NFC battle against the New Orleans Saints. The Saints allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to tight ends last season, but Ferguson is unlikely to be close to 100% of he suits up. If he's out, backup tight end Luke Schoonmaker will likely play the most significant role of his career, but Ferguson's absence probably helps the outlook of wide receiver Brandin Cooks more than anyone else.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (hamstring) did not practice on Wednesday, and he was seen wearing street clothes on Thursday, indicating he is not practicing again. This marks the third consecutive official practice he has missed. Higgins has been considered unlikely to play since early in the week, and that doesn't look like it's going to change. The Bengals offense looked lifeless against the New England Patriots in Week 1, as Joe Burrow tossed for just 164 yards, and Ja'Marr Chase racked up just 62 yards on six targets. Burrow is a low-end QB1 in Week 2, but his ceiling is much lower against the Kansas City Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium. However, Chase remains a must-start option in leagues of all shapes and sizes. If Higgins is out as expected, Andrei Iosivas can be considered in flex spots, but he has a wide range of outcomes.
From RotoBaller
If New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones can't get right and improve on his dreadful Week 1 performance against the Minnesota Vikings in a Week 2 divisional matchup against the Washington Commanders, ESPN's Dan Graziano thinks he's in real trouble. Anything short of improvement will place Jones' contractual future squarely into the spotlight. The four-year, $160 million contract that Jones signed before last season only included two years of fully guaranteed money. So if the Giants released him after this season, they'd have $22.21 million in dead money against their salary cap, although they wouldn't have to pay him the $78 million in salary and bonuses he's currently scheduled to earn over the 2025 and 2026 seasons. The bottom line is Jones has looked bad since the 2022 season, and the more he continues to struggle, the more people will be clamoring for backup Drew Lock.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (knee) is still the only player on the team's 53-man roster that was not participating in practice on Thursday. Love suffered a Grade 1/2 MCL sprain to his left knee at the tail end of the Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles last Friday in Brazil and has missed the first two practices in Week 2. Head coach Matt LaFleur said the door is open for Love to play this Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts at Lambeau Field, but that feels like a long shot. In a best-case-scenario, the 25-year-old will probably be lucky to miss only a few games. In the meantime, backup Malik Willis is expected to start this Sunday against the Colts, where fantasy managers should expect a much less explosive Packers offense. Fantasy managers should have already made plans to go in another direction at QB with Love unlikely to play in Week 2.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns tight end Jordan Akins finds himself as the only healthy tight end on the active 53-man roster heading into Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars after starting TE David Njoku (ankle) has already been ruled out due to an ankle injury he sustained in the Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. One of the three TEs on the practice squad -- Geoff Swaim, Cameron Latu and Blake Whitehurst -- will likely be elevated on game day this Sunday to back up Akins. Akins played 57% of the offensive snaps in Week 1 and had three catches for 27 yards. The 32-year-old could be the TE1 in Cleveland for multiple weeks, too, making him worth a flier for TE depth in the deepest of fantasy leagues. Despite Njoku's injury, Akins is still only rostered in 2% of Yahoo leagues with Week 2 quickly approach. In what looked like a bad Browns offense in Week 1, not much will be expected of Akins.
From RotoBaller
Multiple league executives think that the New York Jets will eventually need to explore flipping pass-rusher Haason Reddick via trade, as their contract impasse with him has no end in sight. Reddick remains on the Reserve/Did Not Report list and has forfeited a $791,666 game check on top of the more than $5 million in NFL-mandated fines he accumulated by holding out in training camp. "Not sure they have a choice," an NFC executive said. "They wouldn't get similar value back [a third-rounder], but it would be hard [for the Jets] to pay him at this point, and he clearly doesn't want to be there. Both sides badly mismanaged the situation." The Jets acquired the 29-year-old defensive end from the Philadelphia Eagles in the offseason, but his holdout extended into the regular season when he didn't play in the Monday night loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Stay tuned.
From RotoBaller
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler doesn't think it's quite time for the Cleveland Browns to consider replacing quarterback Deshaun Watson with backup Jameis Winston after the former looked pretty bad in the Week 1 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. In Watson's defense, the Browns were playing without their top two offensive tackles against a strong Cowboys defense. Fowler believes the Browns will give Watson a healthy run to prove himself, but he also hasn't looked like the same QB who starred for the Texans from 2017-20. There are concerns about whether Watson can regain his fastball after shoulder surgery, but people with the Browns have been adamant that they saw glimpses of the old Watson during the preseason. But until we actually see that in the regular season, Watson's fantasy stock continues to plummet heading into Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
From RotoBaller
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Marquise Brown (shoulder) will not practice with the team on Thursday. The Chiefs aren't ruling Brown out of their Week 2 contest against the Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday, but the fact that Brown has yet to practice this week doesn't give him a great chance to make his team debut this weekend. The 27-year-old suffered a sternoclavicular injury in the preseason opener and didn't play in the season-opening win last Thursday over the Baltimore Ravens. The Chiefs continue to say that Hollywood is making strides and getting closer to playing, but as of right now, he feels doubtful to play in Week 2. If Brown misses a second straight game, expect both Rashee Rice and rookie Xavier Worthy to see plenty of work yet again against Cincy. The Chiefs will release their final injury report on Friday.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert (chest) will not play on Thursday Night Football against the Buffalo Bills due to a chest injury, but his injury is not expected to keep him out long, and he's unlikely to go on Injured Reserve. A stint on the IR list would mean he would have to miss at least the next four games, so this is good news for his fantasy managers. However, the 32-year-old could only produce 19 yards on seven touches last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars, while De'Von Achane (ankle) posted 100 total yards on 17 touches. It's too early to say Mostert could be regressing, but it's on the table. In his absence, Jeff Wilson Jr. and/or Jaylen Wright will handle touches behind Achane, assuming he's active for Week 2.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (ankle) is officially questionable to face the Buffalo Bills on Thursday Night Football, and he is being considered a game-time decision. However, there is optimism that he will suit up based on how he practiced yesterday and how he is feeling. The second-year pro out of Texas A&M missed practice on Monday and Tuesday with an ankle injury but returned to a limited practice on Wednesday. Fantasy managers should wait on official word regarding Achane's status, which will likely come out 90 minutes before kickoff when the team releases its official inactives report. If he's active, he's a must-start option in all formats, and Jeff Wilson Jr. and Jaylen Wright could see touches behind him with Raheem Mostert (chest) already being ruled out. If Achane is ruled out, both backup running backs are worth flex consideration in 12-team leagues.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott could be a touchdown-dependent fantasy play in Week 2 against New Orleans. In Week 1, Elliot rushed 10 times for 40 yards and a touchdown and caught two passes for nine yards against the Browns. His day was salvaged by a touchdown and he and Rico Dowdle basically alternated drives at Cleveland. The reality, however, is Elliott could be a TD machine in the high-powered Cowboys' offense and that could be the case in Week 2 against the Saints. His limited rushing opportunities in what looks like a shared backfield make him a somewhat risky proposition for fantasy purposes week in and week out. But until proven otherwise, the Ohio State product is a solid bet to find paydirt each week and could fall into the end zone multiple times in any given matchup. There are better options for volume at the position in fantasy but Elliott looks like he could be a decent RB2 play this week.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle was involved in the team's game plan in Week 1 against the Browns but will need to improve his efficiency before becoming a fantasy player worth starting in most leagues. Dowdle saw eight carries for 26 yards in Week 1 as he alternated drives with starter Ezekiel Elliott. He did add one catch for six yards. Dowdle's 3.3 yards per carry leaves something to be desired although his usage was somewhat encouraging for his standalone value. In Week 2, expect Elliott to be the featured goal-line back. Dowdle could once again see some game time but he will need to do more with his opportunities to become fantasy-relevant. Fantasy managers with options at the position would be wise to take a wait-and-see approach with Dowdle in Week 2.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb turned in a solid day at the office in Week 1 at Cleveland but more should be expected of the talented wideout in Week 2 at home against New Orleans. Lamb was targeted 10 times and hauled in five of those passes for 61 yards in the team's 33-17 win over the Browns while adding three rushes for 25 yards. It was a decent day for Lamb who has created a high bar after setting the fantasy world aflame last season. For those just looking at the stat line, the Cowboys didn't take to the air much in the second half of Week 1. Expect more from Lamb in a home game against the Saints. The fact that he was involved with some rushes is also a good sign as he has the skill set to take an end-around to the house. Lamb should move around the formation and be involved early and often in Week 2 in what figures to be a more competitive game. Not that fantasy managers need reassurance to start a player likely drafted with a top 3 pick but Lamb should be fired up with a great deal of confidence.
From RotoBaller
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott returns home for a Week 2 matchup against the New Orleans Saints for his first game in Dallas since signing a massive new contract. The Saints beat up on the Panthers in Week 1. Prescott, meanwhile, led Dallas to a runaway win at Cleveland in the opener and was 19-of-32 passing for 179 yards and a touchdown. The game got out of hand, so Prescott slowed things down a bit. In his return home, expect the Cowboys signal caller to be busier and thus have a better fantasy showing. Prescott figures to push for top-five fantasy quarterback status this season and he should this individual week as well. As he continues to build rapport with his top target CeeDee Lamb, his numbers should be better than Week 1. He will be without tight end Jake Ferguson but has plenty of other targets to spread the ball to. There is not much to take away from the Saints' defensive showing in Week 1 as the Panthers' offense was woeful. Start Prescott with confidence.
From RotoBaller